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Leaving the ancient wooden temples and geisha districts of Kyoto for the tea-covered hills of Shizuoka feels like moving from Japan's historical heart to its scenic garden. While Kyoto captures the imagination with its imperial past, Shizuoka offers views of Mount Fuji and green tea plantations. The trip leads you along the Tokaido corridor that once connected the old capital to Edo.
Kyoto to Shizuoka by Train
The Tokaido Shinkansen connects Kyoto Station and Shizuoka Station. Hikari and Kodama trains stop at Shizuoka, while Nozomi trains do not.[1] The Hikari makes fewer stops and is the quicker of the two, and the Kodama stops at every station and takes noticeably longer. You can check availability and book on GoAsia.cc.
Fares and Seats
For a reserved ordinary-car seat on a Hikari or Kodama in the regular season, smartEX lists 10,230 yen.[1] An unreserved seat costs 9,900 yen.[2] A reserved seat guarantees you a specific spot on a specific train, which is recommended during peak periods like Golden Week or the cherry blossom season, while an unreserved seat lets you board any train and sit in the unreserved cars.
Green Car
The Green Car is Japan's version of first class, with wider seats and a quieter cabin. A Green Car seat on a Hikari or Kodama between Kyoto and Shizuoka costs 13,890 yen in the regular season.[3]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (JPY) | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Train (Unreserved) | 9,900[2] | Standard |
| Train (Standard Reserved) | 10,230[1] | High |
| Train (Green Car) | 13,890[3] | Premium |
Tips for Traveling from Kyoto to Shizuoka
- Sit on the Left: When you travel from Kyoto toward Tokyo, Mount Fuji is on the left side of the train.[4] On this trip you only reach the Fuji area near the end, so views depend on the weather.
- Buy an Ekiben: Kyoto Station sells a wide selection of ekiben (station bento boxes). Pick one up before boarding to enjoy a local meal on the way.
- Luggage Rules: Baggage with total dimensions of more than 160 cm and up to 250 cm requires a seat with an oversized baggage area on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen. Standard suitcases fit in the overhead racks.[5]
- Station Navigation: Kyoto Station is large, so allow time to find the Shinkansen platforms from the local lines or the main entrance.
- Shizuoka's Geography: Shizuoka Station is centrally located, but if you are heading to the Shimizu area or the tea plantations, you may need to transfer to a local JR line or a bus after you arrive.
Timetable
| Train Kyoto - Shizuoka $ 64.06–89.80 1h 26m – 2h 13m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Kyoto to Shizuoka, including current prices and schedules.
The cheapest way is an unreserved seat on the Shinkansen at 9,900 yen in the regular season. This lets you board any Hikari or Kodama and sit in the unreserved cars.
The fastest way is the Hikari, which makes fewer stops than the Kodama. Nozomi trains do not stop at Shizuoka.
The travel time depends on the train. The Hikari makes fewer stops and is quicker, while the Kodama stops at every station and takes longer.
Possibly, if the weather is clear. When you travel from Kyoto toward Tokyo, Mount Fuji is on the left side of the train, but you only reach the Fuji area near the end of this trip.
You can buy tickets at the station, but booking in advance is recommended during holiday periods or if you want a specific seat, such as a window seat on the Mount Fuji side.
The Hikari is faster because it skips several smaller stations, while the Kodama stops at every station along the route.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] smartEX (JR Central, JR West, JR Kyushu): smartEX Service Prices (Reserved Seat in Ordinary Cars). Retrieved October 18, 2026.
- [2] smartEX (JR Central, JR West, JR Kyushu): smartEX Service Prices (Non-reserved Seat in Ordinary Cars). Retrieved October 18, 2026.
- [3] smartEX (JR Central, JR West, JR Kyushu): smartEX Service Prices (Green Cars). Retrieved October 18, 2026.
- [4] Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central): MOUNT FUJI: like you have never seen. Retrieved October 17, 2026.
- [5] Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central): Luggage information. Retrieved October 17, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.